Introduction

The number DVDs, video downloads and video tapes offering instruction in
Argentine tango continues to grow. As recently as the mid-1990s, about
20 instructional video tapes were available in North America. Some
were of dubious quality. Today, about 200 instructional DVDs, videos
downloads and video tapes are readily available. Many are excellent or
outstanding.

The market has made a decided shift toward DVDs and video downloads. A
number of the titles that were once available on video are now only available
on DVD. A growing number of titles are available on video download.

The large number of DVDs, video downloads and video tapes suggests that many
people find such instruction helpful in learning Argentine tango. If you
are fortunate enough to live in an active tango community with regular
instruction, videos can offer a different perspective and new ideas. If
you live in an area that is without regular instruction, videos may be the only
way to learn Argentine Tango.

For a number of years, I have been watching, reviewing and rating videos
that offer instruction in Argentine tango. I started these reviews
by getting my hands on the 22 videos that I knew existed at the time—buying
some and borrowing others. In my naivete and inexperience in dancing
tango, I found it relatively easy to rate the videos by a simple criterion;
could I learn something useful from them?

As the number of videos grew and my experience with Argentine tango
expanded to include a number of years teaching, I moved on to other subjective
criteria such as the quality of the dancing (including the form and musicality
of the movement), the quality of the video production, the clarity of the
instruction, and the usefulness of the material for social dancing (or other
stated purpose). For videos intended for advanced dancers, I also look
for originality, which puts an ever increasing burden on the newer videos
offering advanced material. Always at the forefront of my mind is a
variation of my original question: Can the viewer learn something useful from
the video?

People who know me, my dancing, my tango friends and my tango mentors
are likely to know the inherent biases that I have in rating instructional
videos even better than I do. I dance social Argentine tango improvisationally.
Moreover, I consider improvisation a basic skill rather than an advanced
skill. Only a few of the videos offer instruction that is designed
to develop improvisational skills. Most notable are those by Christy
Coté and George Garcia, Gustavo
Naveira and Olga Besio, and Daniel Trenner.
A few other videos offer instruction in structure
and technique.

Nearly all of the available instructional DVDs, video downloads and video tapes
could convey the impression that Argentine tango is a collection of frozen step
patterns, including those videos that provide instruction in
milonguero-style tango. Although, I do not
consider learning rote patterns to be a foundation for dancing, learning such
patterns can provide knowledge that is useful for dancing. One can look at
the best of these videos as being of similar instructional value as a jazz musician
listening to and copying the solos of great jazz musicians. Consequently, I
accept these videos for what they are rather than what they are not.

Although the Osvaldo Zotto/Mora Godoy videos
can convey the impression that Argentine tango is a collection of frozen
step patterns, they remain a standard by which to judge the quality of
other videos. I consider Osvaldo Zotto to be one of the great dancers
of his generation. In addition, the Zotto/Godoy five-video series
is a model of production values and clarity in instruction.

To date, I have identified more than 200 instructional videos about
Argentine tango that are readily available for purchase in the United States.
(Although I make every attempt to keep abreast of the growing number of
instructional videos for Argentine Tango, there may be more. Please
excuse any omissions, and let me know if you discover any additional instructional
video downloads, video tapes or DVDs that are available.) For tango videos,
readily available is relative. It means someone will sell the tape to you via mail
order without having previously taught you the material.

Caveat Emptor: A number of videos once sold as Argentine
Tango offer instruction in ballroom Tango or a mixture of ballroom and
Argentine Tango. I include several such videos in the reviews, but
I make no attempt to provide comprehensive coverage of such videos.

What's Available on DVD

Anyone who uses a DVD quickly recognizes the advantages of the medium for
instruction. If well indexed, an instructional DVD can provide the
viewer with rapid access to each segment that is of particular interest.
It is also an ideal medium for reviewing segments. Currently, the
number of instructional DVDs is limited to about 100 titles, but that number
has grown rapidly, and a number of titles that were once available only on video
are now only available on DVD.

What's Available on Video Downloads

Video downloads represent a movement away from the constraints of playing
physical media. If well indexed, an instructional video download can provide the
viewer with rapid access to each segment that is of particular interest.
It is also an ideal medium for reviewing segments. Currently, the
number of instructional downloads is limited, but the number is growing, and a number
of Bridge to the Tango titles that were once available only on video tape are now
available as video downloads.

Bridge to the Tango Videos

Updated 1 September 2012

Between 1996 and 2001, Daniel Trenner produced 72 instructional videos
for his Bridge to the Tango label. The videos cover his own teaching
and dancing, Rebecca Shulman's and that of a number of other masters from
the older and younger generations.

An era came to an end on January 1, 2007 when all Bridge to the Tango
instructional videos were officially withdrawn from the market. Nonetheless,
several vendors have remaining copies of most of the Bridge to the Tango videos
for sale in VHS format. Among the sources are
Daniel Trenner's store and
Phil Seyer's Argentine Tango webpage.
In addition, Daniel Trenner is in the process of releasing the material as video downloads
available through itangocafe.com.
In addition, Daniel has recorded several new videos which are only available as video downloads.

Listings, Reviews and Ratings

Below or on related pages are a listing and description for each of the
approximately 200 readily available videos and DVDs offering instruction
in Argentine tango. I also provide ratings and reviews for most of
the videos. Although my ratings have been influenced by other
opinions, they are mine alone. Unless otherwise specified, all
videos are in English with VHS format and conform to NTSC standards.

Rating System:

Not Recommended for Purchase

Fair

Good

Very Good

Most Excellent

Truly Outstanding

Not Yet Rated (principally new videos)

Martha Anton and Luis Grodona are
well known for dancing Canyengue, a form of Argentine tango that was popular
during the 1920s and early 30s that may or may not be accurately captured
by its current and recent practioners. From his memories of his parents'
generation of dancers, Luis has recreated his vision of the style.
The embrace is close and in an offset V; the dancers typically have bent
knees as they move; and the woman does not execute a cross. The steps
are short and frequently executed in the stacatto rhythm that is characteristic
of the tango music played by the old guard. Although Grodona's Canyengue
uses somewhat different figures than that of Ruben Terbalca or the late
Rodolfo Cieri (who are also known for the style), it corresponds quite
well to the dancing of other older tango dancers from outlying districts
and cities who learned tango as children.

Martha
Anton and Luis Grodona — Asi Se Baila Canyengue I & II (2 video
tapes)
Produced by Solo Tango, this outstanding two-video series well captures
the Canyengue of Martha Anton and Luis Grodona. The first video covers
the embrace, a basic step called "el horqueta," and 11 other step patterns.
The second video offers nine more advanced step patterns. All of
the patterns are taught as elements to be added to the horqueta.
Instruction is clear and concise, covering the step patterns, the footwork,
and the lead and the follow. Instruction is primarily provided in
Spanish with English subtitles, supplemented by voice over in English.
The leading that comes from leg flexion is not explained and occasionally
aspects of the instruction depart from the demonstration dances.
Martha and Luis exhibit strong rhyhtmic drive and great musicality in their
numerous exhibition dances. The video would be most useful for those
who want a look at tango's history. A few of the step patterns could
be adapted to milonguero-style tango. Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires;
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York; Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany; or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

The late Pepito Avellaneda
was a well-regarded milonguero who had many students. He was
particularly well-known for his style of dancing milonga.

Pepito
Avellaneda — Asi Se Baila Milonga (3 videos or DVDs)
From Solo Tango, this well produced video series captures much of the
the milonga of Pepito Avellaneda. The first volume is a wonderful
homage to Pepito, containing archival footage of the maestro's dancing
and interviews of Pepito and some of his many friends. Volumes 2
and 3 are instructional, with volume 2 providing coverage of beginning
and intermediate step patterns in Pepito's style and volume 3 providing
coverage of advanced steps in his style. After opening with Pepito's
advice on posture, the embrace, and the salida, volume 2 covers 10 step
patterns that quickly proceed from some basics to more challenging material.
For most patterns, Pepito demonstrates the figures with Dolores De Amo
or Suzuki and carefully explains the movements in Spanish with English
subtitles. That is followed with details of the man's steps, the
woman's steps, the man's footwork, and then woman's footwork as descibed
by voice over and variously shown by Pepito, Dolores, Suzuki, Fernando
Soleau or Mariana Bonavente. To round out the instruction for each
step pattern, voice over provides a brief description of the lead as demonstrated
by Pepito, Pepito gives some advice on learning or using the step pattern,
and then he dances a fairly lengthy demonstration with Dolores and Suzuki
usually only the step patterns taught to the point. Volume 3 continues
in the same format to provide coverage of 10 additional step patterns,
most of which contain double-time elements. In both videos, the material
is interesting, instruction is clear and well paced, and many of the demonstration
dances will have viewers wanting to get up and dance milonga with Pepito.
Although the instructional videos start with the basics, they are probably
best suited to those who have at least some knowledge of milonga.
Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa
are well-regarded instructors from Buenos Aires who tour frequently to
teach. Julio took his first lessons from his father (Miguel
Balmaceda), and during many years he had accompanied and assisted his
father in tango practices. After his father's death in 1991, Julio
was in charge of his father's classes in Salón Canning. He
is well known worldwide as well as in Argentina for his naturalness, quality
of movement and musicality. In 1993 together with Omar Viola he opened
the Parakultural. Corina has taught dance since she was 17.
She studied theater for five years with the directors Agustín Alezzo
and Augusto Fernández. She graduated as scenographer from
the Art School of the Salvador University. She has applied all this
knowledge to tango by developing an approach where the essence of tango
essence and its structural analysis are joined together. Her classes
consist of making, creating and learning tango movements based on the equality
of the woman and man in the dance.

Julio
Balmaceda and Corina de las Rosa — Tango Basics and Secrets
(DVD only)
The first DVD, in what is planned as a series, covers a variety of
techniques, movements and basic step patterns in Argentine tango.
Julio and Corina teach the use of contra-body motion, the embrace, the
eight-count basic, crossed basic, a walking sequence, forward ochos, backward
ochos and some turns. In keeping with their teaching philosophy,
Julio and Corina emphasize the fundamentals of individual movements as
well as the techniques and qualities necessary to dance in a salon.
The DVD opens and closes with exhibition dances. Julio and Corina
frequently travel with copies of the 70 minute DVD to sell.
For more information, see Julio
and Corina's webpage.

Julio
Balmaceda and Corina de las Rosa — Giros (DVD only)
The second DVD, in what is planned as an expanding series, covers turns
in Argentine tango. In keeping with their teaching philosophy, Julio
and Corina emphasize the fundamentals of individual movements as well as
the technique and qualities necessary to dance in a salon. Julio
and Corina frequently travel with copies of the DVD to sell.
For more information, see Julio
and Corina's webpage.

Paul and Elaine Bottomer seem admirable
in their willingness to swim upstream against the British ballroom dance
establishment and abandon the strictures of ballroom tango for Tango
Argentino, where the parameters of acceptability are socially defined,
and no single technique reigns. Having danced in a number of competitions
sponsored by the International Dance Organization (Switzerland), Paul and
Elaine Bottomer claim to be European and world champions of Tango Argentino,
but the graceless and inauthentic dance technique demonstrated on their
one available video suggests very weak competition. Certainly authenticity
was not required to win the competitions.

Paul
and Elaine Bottomer — Tango ArgentinoEmile Sansour once suggested that British Tango
compares to the Argentine Tango about the same way that British beef compares
to Argentine beef. In this video, British couple Paul and Elaine
Bottomer do nothing to dispel the notion that the British Tango scene could
be in the grip of mad-cow disease. In the book that accompanies this
video, Paul Bottomer writes, "There is now an opportunity for the Dancing
Profession to guarantee the integrity and character of the real Tango with
its nostalgia and mystery, its drama and passion, the Tango Argentino."
Unfortunately neither the video, nor the accompanying book and CD have
captured authentic Argentine Tango. The video and the book offer
instruction that combines ballroom and fantasia elements with salon-style
Argentine Tango. Students with a sufficient knowledge of Tango to
recognize the differences will find little to learn in this mercifully
short video. The music on the CD lacks the cry of a bandoneon and
is not particularly suitable for dancing. Available from Bill
Rowe’s Ballroom Dance Supply.

Mauricio Castro is the founder of Tango
Discovery and teacher of Argentine Tango. He created and developed
a personal style of dancing and system of teaching tango in Buenos Aires
and, through Tango Discovery, has taken it to the rest of the world.

Mauricio
Castro — Tango Dance Training (Three DVDs only)
Each DVD in this series is more than an hour in duration and presents
elements of the Tango Discovery system including tango awareness, structure,
improvisation, step sequences as an application of structure, deleted scenes
and extras. Available from
Tango
Discovery.

Carlos Copello and Alicia Monti are
elegant, expressive and personable dancers who are quite at home in front
of the camera. They appeared in both Tango: The Obsession
and the Tango Lesson. They were also featured in one of the
many productions of Forever Tango.

Carlos
Copello and Alicia Monti — How to Tango (4 tape set)
In this very well-produced set of videos, Carlos and Alicia offer detailed
instruction rather than the extensive coverage of steps that characterize
most instructional videos. The instruction starts with the basic
(with and without an initial back step) and progresses through 12 figures
in the first two videos. The third and fourth videos together offer
seven sophisticated combinations. Instruction covers the details
of each figure and pattern including lead and follow. Carlos and
Alicia also explain and demonstrate improvisation, but offer no direct
instruction in improvisational skills. Some viewers may be disappointed
by the slow pace of instruction and with the limited number of figures
that are covered in each video. All would be advised to ignore Carlos'
instruction to lead with the right hand. Fortunately, he ignores
his own instruction. Adam Boucher (director of Tango: The Obsession)
directed the four-camera production. Each tape is just under 60 minutes
long. Available either in Spanish or dubbed English. A vendor is
uncertain. The videos may be available through
Carlos
Copello's website.

Juan Carlos Copes is widely regarded as one
of the great masters tango fantasia in the latter half of the 20th century.
He had a long partnership with Maria Nieves dancing in shows from the 1950s
through the 1980s, including the show Tango Argentino which is widely
credited for reviving popular interest in tango as a dance form.
Copes was recently acclaimed as the dancer of the century by the City of
Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Athenaeum. He also was honored at the
American Film Choreography Awards for his choreography in the Carlos Saura
movie, Tango. His daughter Johana is an excellent tango dancer
in her own right and appeared in the movie, Tango.

Juan
Carlos Copes (with Johana Copes) — Tango and Milonga (video tape
or DVD)
In this 45 minute video, maestro Copes is assisted by his daughter
Johana in teaching and demonstrating essential elements of his tango and
milonga style. Both Copes and his daughter have a very strong presence
on the video, and the way they hold themselves and move with clarity and
grace is impressive and instructive. The well-produced video opens
with a demonstration tango and then covers ten steps and figures in a little
less than half an hour. Instruction in tango starts with the basics
(including two salidas with the back step) and progresses to an intermediate
combination. Those of who taken workshops from Copes in the past
will recognize most of the steps. For some of the tango steps, Copes
and his daughter demonstrate the steps individually before demonstrating
them in an embrace. In doing so, they highlight the quality of balance
and movement that is required. Voice over explains all the tango
movements, but the lead, follow and movement technique are not covered
in any detail. After the tango segments, Copes and his daughter dance
a milonga and then take less than 15 minutes to cover ten useful intermediate
steps and figures in milonga. Voice over names the milonga step or
figure, and Copes and his daughter are shown demonstrating it several times
from a variety of angles. The milonga segments are not instruction,
but they are instructive. The rating is a composite of four stars
for the tango segments and three stars for the milonga segments.
Those who are capable of learning simply by watching may want to add a
star to the milonga rating and a half star to the overall rating.
The videos are available in Spanish and English in both PAL and NTSC format.
A DVD in NTSC format that includes extensive footage of Copes' performances
along with the instructional material is also available under the title
Copes Tango Copes. Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Christy Coté began her career as a
ballroom and Latin dance instructor for Arthur Murray Dance Studios, and
she has danced, choreographed and taught professionally for more than 20
years. Since 1998, she has danced and taught Argentine Tango becoming
one of San Francisco's most well-known dancers and teachers. Her
name appears on the roster of several annual Argentine Tango events such
as the Portland Tangofest, the Tango at Sea Cruise and the Las Vegas Tango
Weekend for which she is also a co-producer. George Garcia
has danced and taught in Hawaii for more than 20 years, covering ballroom,
latin and swing. In 1997, George attended the first Argentine tango
workshop in in Hawaii—taught by Fabian Salas and Michele Baidon—and it
instantly changed his life. Tango became his obsession, and he set
about developing Argentine tango in Hawaii.

Dance Vision has produced a series of 20 videos (available on DVD or
video tape) by Christy Coté and George Garcia covering the DVIDA
Bronze, Silver and Gold Argentine tango syllabuses, follower's technique,
leader's technique, milonguero-style Argentine tango, milonga, vals, tango
fantasia, improvisation, volcadas, colgadas, ganchos and enganches, boleos,
and sacadas. All 20 of these DVDs and videos are available from
DanceVision.com.
For more information, contact
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — DVIDA Bronze, Silver and Gold Argentine
Tango Syllabuses (3 DVDs)
In this series of videos, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer
comprehensive instruction in salon-style Argentine tango starting from
the most basic figures and continuing through advanced figures and patterns.
The videos support a comprehensive syllabus for learning Argentine tango,
but stand independently of the certification that could be obtained through
the syllabus. Although Christy and George are careful to explain
that Argentine tango is an improvisational dance, the instruction emphasizes
learning tango through the mastery of figures rather than improvisational
techniques. The instruction is clear and comprehensive, but
production values are average and the videos are not entertaining to watch,
as Christy and George move slowly and explain each movement in what some
will consider excrutiating detail. Many viewers will be disappointed
that these videos only include exhibition snippets based on the taught
elements and no full demonstration dances. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Tango Follower's Technique (DVD)
In this nearly two-hour video, Christy Coté is assisted by George
Garcia in teaching follower's technique for the basic movements of Argentine
tango. Christy's instruction is animated, clear and comprehensive.
She covers follower's technique in embrace, walking, cuzada, forward and
backward ochos, molinetes (giros), boleos, paradas, blocks, sandwiches,
pasadas, barridas, ganchos, enganches, sacadas, points, planeos, calecita,
carpa, change of direction in turns, volcada, colgada, surprising moves
and embellishments with some overlap with technique taught on the DVIDA
Syllabuses. Mastery of the skills taught on this excellent video
would give any beginning to intermediate follower a solid foundation for
dancing Argentine tango. Many viewers will be disappointed that the
video lacks demonstration dances. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Tango Leader's Technique (DVD)
In this nearly two-hour video, George Garcia is assisted by Christy
Coté in teaching elements of leader's technique for Argentine tango.
Covering embrace, walking, cuzada, forward and backward ochos, molinetes
(giros), boleos, paradas, blocks, sandwiches, barridas, ganchos, enganches,
sacadas, points, planeos, calecita, carpa, change of direction in turns,
volcada, colgada and and embellishments, George's instruction consists
of working through the same elements of dance covered in Argentine
Tango Follower's Technique and offering a variety of hints about leader's
steps and leading. A subtle and smooth leader, George takes a slow
pace in teaching with extensive demonstration that sometimes just consists
of teaching the step pattern. George fails to provide an overall
view of what is required of the leader, but he gives lengthy and detailed
explanations of movement. At times these explanations are convoluted
and unfocused. At other times, George may provide the very insight
necessary for a leader to dance Argentine tango well. George closes
the video with a few useful but rambling explanations of milonga etiquette
in Buenos Aires. Many viewers will be disappointed that the video
lacks a demonstration dance. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — The Art of Improvisation (DVD)
Argentine tango is an improvisational dance built on an underlying
structure. In this oustanding video, Christy Coté and George
Garcia teach the underlying structure of Argentine tango and the basics
of improvisation utilizing that structure. The first 75 minutes of
instruction is at the beginning level. Instruction starts with six
elements of the woman's movements—walks, cruzada, forward ochos, backward
ochos, turns and boleos. After teaching these elements, Christy and
George work with tips to improve skills, such as changing weight, collecting
feet, pivot, pause, double-time elements, and commonalities in the elements.
After teaching the first layer, Christy and George demonstrate the difference
between the parallel and crossed systems, how each element is led, and
how the leader's footwork complements the follower's. The final 35
minutes covers more advanced elements including paradas, frenos, mordidas,
barridas, ganchos, enchanche, sacadas, planeos, calecita, volcadas and
colgadas. These numerous elements are covered relatively quickly,
and the emphasis is placed on showing how these elements relate to the
six basic elements of tango. Overall, the teaching is clear and comprehensive.
This outstanding video would be great for a beginner, intermediate or anyone
who wants to improve their improvisational skills by developing an understanding
of the underlying structure of tango. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Milonguero-Style Argentine Tango (2 DVDs)
In this two-video series, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer
comprehensive instruction in milonguero-style Argentine tango, starting
from the embrace and walk and continuing through the most basic elements
and some advanced patterns. Once mastered, all of the material is
likely to prove useful for dancing in crowded venues. The first video
covers the embrace, basics of walking, ocho cortado, back ochos, basic
left turns, sacada from cross system basic, right turn, molinete (giro)
left, molinete (giro) right, boleo and spiral cross, and progressive left
turn. The second video covers, running step, point and pivot, barrida,
enganches, outside partner left, carpa, turns, volcada and colgadas.
Although Christy and George assume some basic familiarity with Argentine
tango, their instruction is clear and comprehensive, if sometimes a little
to detailed and longwinded. Much of the material is taught in relatively
small step patterns, but the dancers who expect to use the material to
dance socially in a crowed venue will have to go beyond rote memorization
of the patterns to a mastery of the individual elements from which the
patterns are constructed. For some of the basic elements, the instructors
are careful to explain the importance of moving along the line of dance
and how to make adjustments to accomodate the presence of other dancers
on a crowded dance floor. Such explanations disappear as the material
grows in complexity. Many viewers will be disappointed that these
videos only include exhibition snippets based on the taught elements and
no full demonstration dances. Strangely, all the exhibition snippets
are danced to Di Sarli which works against the rhythmic drive that often
characterizes milonguero-style tango. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Milonga (2 DVDs)
In this two-video series, Christy Coté and George Garcia teach
a collection of step patterns, starting with basic elements of milonga
and working through to some more complex elements. The first video
starts with the baldosa box and offers 14 additonal step patterns as variations
from or elements to be added to the baldosa box including ochos, some traspie
elements, zig zags, grapevine, a right turn left turn combination and a
gancho. The second video offers 14 more advanced step patterns, including
amagues, double-time steps and more traspie elements. Some patterns
contain steps that move against the line of dance. For those who
already know Argentine tango, the instruction is clear and comprehensive,
and the production values are good, but the videos are not at all entertaining
to watch. Offering occasional insights, Christy and George move slowly,
carefully explaining each movement in what some will find to be excrutiating
detail. In their dancing and teaching, Christy and George capture
little of the rhythmic drive, playfulness and improvisation that characterizes
milonga. Stripped of these characteristics, the milonga that is presented
loses authenticity. Ballroom dancers who wish to learn milonga, may
find these videos create a bridge from ballroom sensibilities to milonga.
Many viewers will be disappointed that the first video has no full demonstration
dance. Most viewers will be disappointed by the full demonstration
dance that ends the second video. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Vals (2 DVDs)
In this two-video series, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer
basic and intermediate instruction in vals. The first video starts
with an extensive explanation and demonstration of the rhythmic elements
of vals. After working with the rhythmic elements, Christy and George
proceed with what they call "the progressive cross system basic" and then
teach nine figures as variations from or elements to be added to the progressive
cross system basic. The second video stands alone (without much reference
to the progressive cross system basic) and offers instruction in 12 additional
step patterns, many of which are interesting. On both videos, most
of the figures work well, but several figures contain elements that move
against the line of dance. Some of the figures combine many elements,
and particularly on the first video most students would be better served
by instruction in smaller elements of movement. For those who already
know Argentine tango, the instruction is generally clear. Christy
and George move slowly and explain each step pattern in careful detail,
though not always accurately. Most of the figures are taught in an
open embrace, but Christy and George switch back and forth between open
and closed embraces as they demonstrate the step patterns to music.
Oddly, they say the back ocho they teach in volume one works only in a
close embrace. Their dancing suggests that Christy and George are
more comfortable dancing vals in a close embrace without double-time elements.
Each video ends with a demonstration dance based on the taught elements.
Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Tango Fantasia (2 DVDs)
In this two-video series, Christy Coté and George Garcia teach
a collection of step patterns that are much better suited for exhibition
dancing than social dancing. Most of the elements are small in scale
suggesting an exhibition in a salon rather than on a stage. Though
most of the elements are challenging, the overall content is a little dull.
The numerous closing elements and slicing entrada stand out as the most
interesting. Instruction is generally clear, but it assumes that
the viewer has a good knowledge of tango. For each figure, Christy
and George provide a demonstration without music, show and explain the
man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, and demonstrate the figure
to music. No instruction or comments are offered about what is required
in an exhibition—such as selecting music, projecting, dynamics, composition,
etc. The same lackluster exhibition closes both videos. Available
from DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Tango in Carpa with Volcadas (DVD)
The volcada has emerged as one of the most popular elements of
Argentine Tango. This video begins with technique for Carpa (Spanish
for tent) or the leaning position and progresses into technique for a basic
forward volcada (spilling action) in a leaning position. Despite
a title implying a variety of volcadas, the video shows only one volcada
incorporated in a variety of step patterns. Instruction in the lean
and volcada is extremely clear and comprehensive, but the video grows tedious
as the viewer slowly realizes that the same lean and volcada are being
repeated over and over in a variety of different figures. The step
patterns may be of interest to some dancers, but many will wonder whether
a video with only one volcada is worth their money or viewing time.
The rating represents a compromise between the high-quality instruction
and the limited content. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Volcadas (DVD)
In this 105 minute video, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer
instruction on backward and forward volcadas, 19 step patterns in which
volcadas are used, and a demonstration dance laden with volcadas.
Anyone who has an intermediate to advanced understanding of tango and wants
to learn volcadas will find that the video covers what seems to be nearly
every possible use of volcadas. Not every variation will appeal to
every dancer, but each dancer is likely to find several uses of volcadas
that appeal to him or her. For each figure, Christy and George provide
a demonstration without music, show and explain the man's steps, show and
explain the woman's steps, explain the techniques for men and women, and
demonstrate the figure to music. Instruction is generally clear,
but it assumes that the viewer has both a good familiarity with techniques
for dancing on the body and terms used in teaching tango. The latter
includes the knowing the difference between the cross and parallel systems
and knowing the numbering of steps in the eight-count basic and cross-foot
eight count basic. The instruction misses a few points that some
consider essential to good volcadas—planting the woman's supporting foot,
the man supporting the woman on his body, and the man supporting the woman's
back with his right arm. The concluding demonstration dance, which
is heavily laded with volcadas, shows how too many volcadas can reduce
the visual appeal of the dance. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Colcadas (DVD)
In this video, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer instruction
in clockwise and counterclockwise colcadas, 15 step patterns in which colcadas
are used, and a dance demonstration laden with colgadas. Anyone who
has at least an intermediate understanding of tango and wants to learn
colcadas will find that the video covers many uses of the colgada.
Because there are essentially only two colgadas (clockwise and counterclockwise)
with minor variations, the instruction grows a bit repititious, but each
dancer is likely to find a use of a colgada that appeals to him or her.
For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music,
show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain
the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music.
Instruction is generally clear, but it assumes that the viewer has a good
familiarity with the terms used in teaching tango. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Ganchos and Enganches (DVD)
Frequently people who are new to tango become obsessed with using ganchos
and enganches wherever they can. Although this video would seem to
be ideal, technique is extremely important to successful and safe ganchos
and enganches. For someone who has learned their technique elsewhere,
the video might provide a few good ideas about uses of ganchos and enganches.
In this video, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer instruction
in numerous step patterns in which ganchos and enganches are used.
For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music,
show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain
the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music.
Too much of the teaching is about the figures and not enough is about ganchos
and enganches themselves. As the result of his poor body and leg
positions, George frequently appears slightly off balance leading ganchos.
George occasionally fumbles when explaining the men's step patterns, and
for the ganchos themselves, he offers little instruction about the man's
body rotation or leg movements. Christy's instruction for all the
woman's movements are generally clear and more thorough. The techniques
demonstrated for enganches are generally better, but the explanations of
the men's parts remain shaky. Some of the enganche combinations are
downright silly and scary to imagine at a milonga. Available from
DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Boleos (DVD)
In this video, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer instruction
in backward, forward and linear boleos for women, numerous step patterns
in which boleos work well, and a dance demonstration laden with boleos.
Anyone who has at least an intermediate understanding of tango and wants
to improve their command of boleos will find the video quite useful.
For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music,
show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain
the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music.
Instruction is quite clear and thorough, particularly for the women's movements.
Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy
Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Sacadas (DVD)
In this video, Christy Coté and George Garcia teach a variety
of sacadas incorporated in 19 different step patterns. Through the
figures, Christy and George provide a great overview of the many ways sacadas
can be used in tango, and anyone who has at least an intermediate understanding
of tango is likely to find mastering the figures will greatly expand their
dancing. Instruction on technique for sacadas is found throughout
the figures rather than a single section devoted to the subject.
For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music,
show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain
the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music.
Some of the explanations of men's technique are a little vague, but instruction
is quite clear and thorough for the women's movements. Available
from DanceVision.com.

Dolores De Amo and Daniel Lapadula
are from the missing generation of tango dancers in Buenos Aires.
Both have lifetime backgrounds in dance and eventually found their way
to tango. Dolores has worked on several projects for Solo Tango and
is a graceful dancer and charming teacher. Daniel danced with the
Miguel Caló orchestra, and eventually found his way to the United
States where he taught tango for many years. Daniel and Dolores have
often taught together.

Dolores
De Amo and Daniel Lapadula — Tango Estilo del Centro (3 volumes
on video tape; 2 volumes on DVD)
This well-produced set of videos from Solo Tango covers club-style
tango. As taught by Dolores De Amo and Daniel Lapadula, club-style
tango is danced in an upright posture with a close embrace. Some
separation occurs during turns, and the use of double-time steps is at
the leader's discretion. The instructors are first-rate exponents
and teachers of the style. The series is designed for graduated learning
from the first video through the third, but the instruction assumes a prior
knowledge of Argentine tango. Each video contains about 15 elemental
steps or complex step patterns, with about four minutes coverage of each.
Most of the material is interesting, and Daniel and Dolores dance all of
them quite well. Daniel and Dolores demonstrate each element of the
material several times and explain most of it carefully, but the videos
are best suited to visual learners who use the rewind and slow-motion buttons
on their VCRs or DVD players. Given the complexity of much of the
material, the dancer who wants to use these videos to learn to dance socially
will have to go beyond rote memorization of the patterns to a mastery of
the elements from which the patterns are constructed. The dancer
who puts this much effort into learning will be well served by the completeness
of instruction offered in this series of videos. The first and second
videotapes each close with a demonstration dance. Instruction is
in Spanish with English subtitles. The videos were created using
broadcast-quality equipment and are available on video tape and multizone
DVD. Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski
are two young stars in the world of theatrical tango. They toured
with Forever Tango, including its stay on Broadway, and they appeared
in the PBS special Tango Magic. Diego trained with the late
master Antonio Todaro. Together their dancing is stunning and compelling.
They are highly regarded as teachers.

Carolina
Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further (4 DVDs only) Possibly DiscontinuedOriginally released on video tape in 2003, this four-DVD series is
a classic. The series covers much of the material that Carolina and
Diego taught in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North
America from 2001 to 2003. The extremely well-produced videos were
shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Each
video opens with a dance that is entirely improvised, as an example of
one way to put together the steps taught on the video. Carolina and
Diego provide careful coverage of each figure taught—showing each figure
twice in complete form and then the man's and woman's parts in slow motion.
Carolina and Diego provide voice-over descriptions in English of each of
their movements. As described in the next four reviews, there is
one DVD each for
tango salon, complex
tango, vals and milonga.
Produced by Broadway Tango Productions, the DVDs are available as a set
of four from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no
longer offered on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's
and Diego's website.

Carolina
Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Tango Salon (1 of
4 DVDs) Possibly DiscontinuedThis DVD covers the smaller elements of salon tango that Carolina and
Diego taught in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North
America from 2001 to 2003. The video opens with an improvised tango,
as an example of one way to put together the steps taught on the video.
After a brief explanation of how learn from the video, Carolina and Diego
demonstrate ten step patterns, most of which are likely to prove challenging
to intermediate tango dancers. For the tenth pattern, Carolina and
Diego show six interesting variations. For each figure taught, Carolina
and Diego provide fast-paced, but careful coverage—dancing each figure
twice to the music of Color Tango. After demonstrating the pattern,
they show the man's and woman's parts in slow motion with voice-over descriptions
in English of each of the movements. The 60-minute program was shot
in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Produced by Broadway
Tango Productions, the DVD is now available as part of a four-DVD set from
Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no longer offered
on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's and Diego's
website.

Carolina
Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Complex Tango (1
of 4 DVDs) Possibly DiscontinuedThis DVD covers the more complex elements of tango that Carolina and
Diego taught in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North
America from 2001 to 2003. The video opens with an improvised tango,
as an example of one way to put together the step combinations taught on
the video. After a brief explanation of how learn from the video,
Carolina and Diego demonstrate nine step patterns, which danced in their
entirety would be most useful to advanced dancers who are preparing to
dance exhibitions. The beauty of these combinations may inspire some
to take to the stage, but for those who are more interested in dancing
tango socially, elements of all the figures could prove useful. For
each figure taught, Carolina and Diego provide fast-paced, but careful
coverage—dancing
each figure twice to the music of Color Tango. After demonstrating
the pattern, they show the man's and woman's parts in slow motion with
voice-over descriptions in English of each of the movements. The
45 minute program was shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology.
Produced by Broadway Tango Productions, the DVD is now available as part
of a four-DVD set from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material
is no longer offered on video tape.) For additional information,
see Carolina's and Diego's website.

Carolina
Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Vals (1 of 4 DVDs) Possibly DiscontinuedThis DVD covers the elements of vals that Carolina and Diego taught
in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North America
from 2001 to 2003. The video opens with an improvised vals, as an
example of one way to put together the elements taught on the video.
After a brief explanation of how learn from the video, Carolina and Diego
demonstrate nine step patterns, which danced in their entirety would be
most useful to advanced dancers who are preparing to dance vals during
exhibitions. For those who are more interested in dancing vals socially,
elements of all the figures could prove useful. For each figure taught,
Carolina and Diego provide fast-paced, but careful coverage—dancing each
figure twice to the music of Color Tango. After demonstrating the
pattern, they show the man's and woman's parts in slow motion with voice-over
descriptions in English of each of the movements. The 42 minute program
was shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Produced
by Broadway Tango Productions, the DVD is now available as part of a four-DVD
set from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no longer
offered on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's
and Diego's website.

Carolina
Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Milonga (1 of 4
DVDs) Possibly DiscontinuedThis DVD covers the elements of milonga that Carolina and Diego taught
in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North America
from 2001 to 2003. The video opens with an improvised milonga, as
an example of one way to put together the steps taught on the video.
After a brief explanation of how learn from the video, Carolina and Diego
demonstrate 11 step patterns, most of which would add to the milonga vocabulary
of many intermediate tango dancers. None of the combinations are
highly complex, but most are likely to prove challenging to intermediate
tango dancers. For each figure taught, Carolina and Diego provide
fast-paced, but careful coverage—dancing each figure twice to the music
of Color Tango. After demonstrating the pattern, they show the man's
and woman's parts in slow motion with voice-over descriptions in English
of each of the movements. The very short (27 minute) program was
shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Produced by
Broadway Tango Productions, the DVD is now available as part of a four-DVD
set from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no longer
offered on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's
and Diego's website.

Gloria and Rodolfo Dinzel are best known
as theatrical tango dancers who appeared in the stage show, Tango Argentino.
They operate a tango school in Buenos Aires with international branches
using their own system for teaching, and they have written the book
Tango: An Anxious Quest for Freedom.

Gloria
and Rodfolfo Dinzel — A Master Class for BeginnersThis well-produced video includes three demonstration dances that tend
toward theatrical. The instruction is very clear and covers many
of the beginning steps as taught in the tradition of Todaro, such as basic,
ochos, etc. Once available through See-Do Productions, the video
does not appear to have a North American distributor the moment.
The Dinzels do travel with copies of the video to sell, and the video is
sometimes available from Nora Dinzelbacher, a San Francisco Bay Area instructor,
who does not take mail orders. It may also be available through branches
of the Dinzel's school.

Eduardo & Mercedes
and Copes & Nieves. Eduardo and Mercedes are a Long Island
couple who are not to be confused with the famous Gloria
& Eduardo (listed below). Juan Carlos Copes and Maria Nieves
are among the most famous couples to ever dance Argentine tango.
They danced in the original cast of Tango Argentino and helped foster
tango's renaissance in the 1980s.

0Tango
Argentino with Eduardo & Mercedes and Copes & NievesLikely DiscontinuedThis video has some historic interest but weak moments of instruction.
It is actually a compilation of five video tapes and motion pictures.
Eduardo and Mercedes teach the first section which is about 55 minutes
long. The next three sections are vintage footage of Juan Carlos
Copes and Maria Nieves demonstrating Tango steps. In these sections,
which are packed with information, Copes & Nieves demonstrate a step,
name it, and then move on. Be prepared with the rewind and slow-motion
buttons on your VCR if you want to learn the steps. The last section
is footage of an unidentified instructor teaching in a studio in Buenos
Aires. Add a star if you want the historic Copes & Nieves footage
for your video library. Produced by See-Do Productions who have ceased
operations; the video may no longer be available.

The late Carlos Gavito was principally known
for his role as the star of the long-running show Forever Tango.
Marcela Duran was his long time partner in Forever Tango. Exquisite
at dancing slow tangos, particularly those recorded by Pugliese, Gavito
and Marcela were legendary for their use of close-embrace salon-style tango
on the stage. Many of the elements of their dance were highly individualistic
and not taught by others. Recognized as a milonguero, late Gavito
taught his material for use in social dancing.

Carlos
Gavito with Marcela Duran — Un Tal Gavito (3 DVDs or video tapes)
Produced by Solo Tango, this three volume series of one-hour videos
presents many of the social dance elements and techniques that Carlos Gavito
and Marcela Duran used on the stage. Although the series progresses
from beginning elements to more challenging material, it is intended for
those who have some experience dancing tango. Each video contains
three exhibition dances and 10 or more identified sections of instruction.
All instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. The first volume
is by far the most compelling. Gavito and Marcela dance three beautiful
exhibitions to Pugliese. Just watching Marcela's technique and their
changes in timing and use of pauses are instructive in their own right.
Gavito and Marcela start by teaching relatively small elements that include
their embrace, salidas, and basic, but they quickly progress to more challenging
material. Their teaching is clear and careful with Gavito explaining
the step patterns and man's part and Marcela explaining the woman's part.
I cannot imagine a better instructional video. With expectations
set by the first volume, the second is a disappointment. In their
exhibition dances, Gavito and Marcela don't seem to reflect the music they
have selected—a relatively fast tango, a vals, and a milonga. The
figures taught on the second video are more complex, and the teaching is
less clear. Moreover, when Gavito and Marcela demonstrate these more
advanced elements at dance tempo, their dancing becomes much rougher.
Some of the sacadas are particularly rough, with Gavito kicking in his
displacements. The third volume is stronger than the second, but
doesn't quite scale the heights established by the first. The exhibitions
are better than on the second video, but not as magical as those on the
first. The first few elements of instruction are lengthy explanations
that boil down to suggesting that one dance tango simply and musically
and maintain the relationship with one's partner. The remaining eight
elements are relatively small step patterns that are sufficiently unique
to pose a mental challenge to some dancers. The teaching is relatively
clear but is sometimes drawn out or vague, particularly when the material
is complex. Overall, this series is best suited to those dancers
who already have some familiarity with tango and want to learn Gavito's
relatively unique steps and ideas and/or Marcela's technique. Though
many of the elements taught on all three videos can be used to dance socially,
Gavito shows little respect for the line of dance, and some work will be
required of those leaders who want to use the material to dance socially.
For those who are looking for a video that captures the magic of Gavito's
and Marcela's dancing, the first volume should be sufficient. Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy
are young stage dancers and tango teachers from Córdoba, Argentina.
During the 5th Buenos Aires Tango Festival, held in March 2003, they won
the international tango award in the stage tango competition.

Gisela
Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy — Tango Lessons with the World's Champions (DVD
only)
On this DVD, Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy focus on the two styles
of tango as a dance. The Salon Tango section conveys their conpcept
of how to dance at milongas. They take the approach of teaching 15
steps including basic step, ochos, and other elements such as sacadas,
ganchos and voleos. The Stage Tango section conveys their ideas for
designing tango choreographies. Instruction is offered in Spanish,
German, French and Japanese. Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Gisela
Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy — Tango Lessons 2 (DVD only)
On this DVD, Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy focus on dance sequences designed
especially for advanced dancers. Instruction is offered in Spanish,
German, French and Japanese. Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia
are young disciples of Raul Bravo and teach from the
system that Antonio Todaro and Bravo developed.

Anton
Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Tango Salón (DVD or Video Download)
On this DVD, Anton and Natalie teach basic salon tango, starting with
walks and continuing through the 8-count basic, cross-step basic, front
ochos, back ochos, rock step, etc. Explanation is provided for the
leader's and follower's roles, posture, the embrace and walking.
The DVD includes ancedotes are also included about how the dance was traditionally
interpreted, and includes a chapter on etiquette at milongas. The
80-minute video is produced by Sergio Segura and is available from
antontango.net.

Anton
Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Advanced Tango Figures and Sequences,
Vols. 1 and 2 (2 DVDs or Video Downloads)
On each DVD Anton and Natalie teach 8 complex figures from the Todaro-Bravo
system complete with instruction on both the man's and woman's role and
the technique necessary to execute the figures properly. Both DVDs
also includes anecdotes about those who created the figures. The
first includes a photogallery of Maestros Antonio Todaro and Raul Bravo.
The 80-minute videos are produced by Sergio Segura and are available from
antontango.net.

Anton
Gazenbeek accompanied by Cecilia Gonzalez — Tango al Revés (DVD or Video Download)
Sometimes known as, Tango Doble Frente, Tango al Revés is a way of dancing tango
with both partners facing forward along the line dance and the woman's back to the
man. On this DVD, Anton Gazenbeek is accompanied by Cecilia Gonzalez as he
teaches Tango al Revés using the method of Antonio Todaro. The instruction
covers a number of ways to enter the position and continues through six figures.
The DVD also looks at the history Tango al Revés, including anecdotes about its creation
in the 1960s. The 68-minute video is produced by Sergio Segura and is available from
antontango.net.

Anton
Gazenbeek assisted by Sergio Segura — Leading in Tango (DVD or Video Download)
On this DVD, Anton Gazenbeek is assisted by Sergio Segura as he teaches skills for
leading. The instruction covers such topics as basic concepts, leading tools, the
three directions, lead then follow, weight change, contain vs. freedom, application in
step, energies, tips for followers, and "the chair." The DVD also looks at the
history of the men's practica. The 68-minute video is produced by Sergio Segura and
available from antontango.net.

Ten years ago, Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo were
among the more exciting young performers of tango fantasia (stage tango). Now they
are among the stars of performance tango and are well established and regarded as teachers
in workshops and festivals throughout the world.

Fernanda
Ghi and Guillermo Merlo — Main Exercise Program (DVD only)
On this DVD, Fernanda and Guillermo teach exercises for building tango skills, including
warmups, introduction to tango, pivot, building the embrace, and after the workout. The
DVD also includes behind the scenes and interviews the Fernanda and Guillermo. The DVD
is available from Fernanda's and
Guillermo's website.

Fernanda
Ghi and Guillermo Merlo — Tango Elements (2 DVDs only)
On these DVDs, Fernanda and Guillermo teach elements of tango including the walk, the stop, the
cross, ochos, boleos, barridas, giros, sacadas and ganchos. The second DVD also includes
behind the scenes and interviews the Fernanda and Guillermo. The DVDs are available as a
set from Fernanda's and Guillermo's
website.

Gloria and Claudio (who should not
be confused with the famous Gloria and Eduardo
listed below) are a couple from Argentina who are now based in the Los
Angeles area where they dance and teach Argentine tango, ballroom and Latin
dance.

Gloria
and Claudio — Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Argentine Tango Lesson
(3 tapes) Likely DiscontinuedEach video covers basic styling, foot and body positioning, and about
a half hour of instruction covering ten new steps. Gloria and Claudio
dance a short choreography using the steps they teach. Possibly available
through Gloria and Claudio's webpage.
Gloria & Eduardo are among the
most famous dancing couples in tango history. They were in the original
cast of Tango Argentino.

Gloria
y Eduardo (3 tape or DVD set)
A number of years ago, Gloria & Eduardo developed a series of instructional
video tapes designed to take a dancer from neophyte to accomplished intermediate
in salon-style Tango (not the club-style tango Eduardo often teaches). The
material has been converted to DVD. At the time the videos were produced,
they set the standard of comparison for instructional videos, and they are still
among the best available. The first volume covers the basics including the
proper embrace and elementary steps. The second and third volumes cover
additional steps including complex figures and embellishments. The second
volume is particularly good in its coverage of giros. The video quality is
high and so is the instruction. The voice over is a bit dramatic and sometimes
slightly out of synch with the steps. The videos are a somewhat expensive for
the amount of material covered, but this is a good series for anyone just starting in
Argentine tango. These videos are sold worldwide in several languages and formats
including DVD, but the U.S. supplier,
Bill Rowe's Ballroom Dance
Supply, offers them in English with NTSC-VHS format. For information about
the DVDs, see
Gloria and Eduardo's webpage.

Mora Godoy is a highly regarded stage dancer
who has a well-known tango school in Buenos Aires. Mora has appeared
in Tango X 2 stage shows as the partner of both Miguel and Osvaldo Zotto.
She first reached wide public attention through her outstanding instructional
videos with Osvaldo Zotto which were produced by Solo Tango. See
Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy below.

Mora
Godoy — Curso Básico de Tango (2 volumes)
These two videos contain more than two hours of material including
footage of Buenos Aires, demonstration dances, comments on dancing at milongas,
and fifteen step patterns ranging from the basic to more complex figures
with additional instruction on ochos, boleos, ganchos and giros.
Mora's partner on the instructional portion of the video is her brother
Horacio Godoy. Instruction starts with the basic (without a
back step), progresses through a fairly standard and complete set of beginning
steps, such as forward and back ochos, molinetes, giros, paradas, embellishments,
boleos and ganchos. Instruction concludes with two fairly complex
figures incorporating back sacadas that seem out of place in a video intended
for beginners. The instructional parts of the video were produced
with three cameras, and each of the steps and figures is shown from a variety
of angles. Detailed instruction is provided for both the man's and
woman's part of each step and figure, and much of the material is shown
in slow motion. Few viewers will find a need to use the slow-motion
or rewind buttons on their own VCRs to learn the material. The videos
are available in Spanish and English in both PAL and NTSC format.
A vendor is uncertain. Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Valorie Hart and Alberto Paz are a New
Orleans-based teaching couple who also tour to give workshops and performances
of Argentine tango.

Alberto
Paz and Valorie Hart — Gotta Tango (DVD and book)
An instructional program that combines a book and DVD. The book
describes, illustrates, and explains the fundamental concepts and techniques,
and the DVD visually demonstrates real dance situations. For more
information, see Planet
Tango.

Valorie
and Alberto — Tango, Our Dance: Confessions of a Reformed Step Collector
(DVD only)
This video presents twelve lessons and three performances that were
captured live, unrehearsed and improvised, and then edited for distribution.
Available on DVD from Planet
Tango.

Carlos "El Tordo" Kronos and Liliana Tolomei
are natives of Buenos Aires who are currently based in Europe.
Carlos studied with legendary maestros such as Pepito Avellaneda, José
Vazquez "Lampazo," Rodolfo Cieri and Luis Grondona. Carlos has integrated
traditional and contemporary tango through the analysis of movement.
Liliana graduated from the Maria Amelia Ramirez School of Theatre Arts
and trained in tango under Carlos.

Carlos
"El Tordo" Kronos and Liliana Tolomei — Tango Argentino de Salón (DVD only)
This DVD offers instruction in the foundations of the Tango de Salón
that Carlos "El Tordo" Kronos learned directly from the legendary teacher and
dancer Jose Vázquez "Lampazo". In the DVD, Carlos offers instruction
and analysis of nearly 70 elements of the style created by Carlos Estévez
"Petróleo" and learned by Lampazo in the 1940s. For further
information, see eltordotango.com.

Diego Ladeveze and Gabriela Lopez
are tango dancers and instructors from Rosario, Argentina. They are
students of Orlando Paiva, and his influence shows
in their elegant and expressive style of dancing.

Diego
& Gabriela — Tango Romantico, Volume I, Basics (VHS or DVD)
Volume I is intended for beginners who have some experience.
It is well recorded and includes three demonstration dances, instruction
on ten figures, and two additional dance sequences constructed from the
figures taught on the video. Diego and Gabriela dance the steps slowly
and then alternately explain the men's and women's parts, which makes the
instruction easy to follow. In keeping with the intent to market
volume one to beginners, the video starts with the embrace and 8-count
basic (with back step). From there the video inexplicably skips over
ochos to slightly more complex figures that seem to presume the students
using the video already know the back ocho. Although none of the
steps are very complicated, the material taught is better suited for beginning
stage dancing or for incorporation into the repertoire of social dancers
that already have some mastery of floor craft. Some of the steps
on this video would be a hazard to everyone on the dance floor if they
were unleashed by a beginner at a crowded milonga, and that is the basis
of my reservations about the video. Possibly available from
www.tangoromantico.com
or Kevin W. King; 2236 Durant Ave., Suite 2 Berkeley, CA 94704 (510)
486-1271 Fax (408) 947-7327.

Diego
& Gabriela — Tango Romantico, Volume II, Great Steps (VHS or DVD)
This well-produced video presents interesting and relatively unique
figures that would be useful for social and stage dancing.
Instruction is very clear. Ten figures are presented at full speed
and then slowly, as Diego and Gabriela alternately explain the men’s and
women's part. Experienced dancers will have little reason to use
the rewind and slo-mo buttons on their VCRs except to see the gorgeous
figures once again. The video also includes two dance sequences constructed
from the figures that Diego and Gabriela teach on the video, as well as
two demonstration dances. Possibly available from
www.tangoromantico.com
or Kevin W. King; 2236 Durant Ave., Suite 2 Berkeley, CA 94704 (510)
486-1271 Fax (408) 947-7327.

Lampazo. The late Jose Vasquez "Lampazo"
was a master of classic caminada (walking-style) tango and a member of
the original cast of Tango Argentino.

Lampazo
at Stanford (DVD only)
This well-produced video covers intermediate to advanced material that
Lampazo taught during the Stanford Tango Weeks in 1995. Re-shot in
a well-known Tango Bar in Northern California, Lampazo and an unidentified
partner demonstrate steps while Barbara Garvey provides voice over.
To best use the material for instruction, the viewer needs to be prepared
with the rewind and slow-motion buttons on the DVD player. This video
is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through
Tango Bar
Productions.

Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn are Argentines
who are best known for their partnership in the stage show Forever Tango.
They are among a number of relatively young stage dancers who travel to
teach throughout the United States and world.

Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn — Let's
Dance Together (DVD only) Possibly DiscontinuedThis DVD offers 40 minutes of exercices to improve balance, footwork,
pivot, posture and musicality, alone and with a partner; information on
applying the exercises to steps and a performance by Miriam and Hugo.
A reliable vendor is uncertain.

David Liu and Nancy Solano teach Argentine tango in the Phoenix area.
David has studied movement reeducation (Ideokinesis and Feldenkrais) and also rhythm analysis. He has
studied modern dance with Marni Woods (former dancer and currently the director of the Martha Graham school)
and with Ethel Dias (current teacher with the Alvin Ailey Company). In addition, he has studied Argentine
Tango with Michael Walker and with many world class Argentine performers and instructors (including Milena
Plebs). Nancy had an extensive education in classical art and music, as well as studying classical dance
for over 20 years. She has performed in New York City and at prestigious Jacob's Pillow. She has
studied Argentine Tango with David and with Michael Walker.

David Liu
and Nancy Solano — Learn to Dance Tango (2 DVDs)
On these two DVDs, David and Nancy cover orientation, beginning steps, foundational technique, common
combinations, introduction to intermediate, adjusting for your partner, flashy stuff, simple hardcore
technique, some step combinations, and putting everything together to create tango. Together, the two
DVDs provide four hours of instruction in 71 chapters. For information, see the website,
learntodancetango.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas are relatively young dancers
and teachers who are known for their compelling style of dancing and excellent teaching. Oscar starred on
Broadway in Forever Tango and toured with the show for seven years. Georgina performed in
major tango shows in Argentina, Italy, and Japan, and she has taught around the world. Together since 2006,
Oscar and Georgina are considered among the premiere couples in Argentine tango today.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Tango Basicos Fundamentales (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina teach the basic skills and movements of tango in 14
lessons. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina
frequently travel with copies of this DVD to sell. It is also available through their
website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Tango, Vals y Milonga (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina teach step patterns that can be used in tango,
vals and milonga. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles.
Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this DVD to sell.
It is also available through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Giros (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina teach techniques for turns and step patterns
that use turns. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles.
Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this DVD to sell.
It is also available through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Pasos Para Lucirse (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina teach a variety of step patterns.
Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina
frequently travel with copies of this DVD to sell. It is also available
through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Romantic Style Tango (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina use a practice session to provide instruction in 13 different tango sequences
that have been designed to help the student improve dance skills, refine techniques, and develop an understanding of
a smoother form of tango that is danced to the later music of tango's golden age. Instruction is in Spanish
with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this 100-minute DVD to sell.
It is alsoavailable through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Rhythmic Style Tango (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina provide instruction in 16 different tango sequences that have been designed to
help the student improve dance skills, refine techniques, and develop an understanding of rhythmic tango as it is
danced to the early music of tango's golden age in Buenos Aires milongas. The DVD also includes a performance
by Oscar and Georgina. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently
travel with copies of this 100-minute DVD to sell. It is also available through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Tango Secrets (2 DVDs only)
Years of teaching have taught Oscar and Georgina that proper technique is the single most important secret
to becoming a good tango dancer. With the intent of supplementing classroom instruction, Oscar and Georgina
created this two DVD set to give students further opportunity to observe and practice on their own, The DVDs
address technique for a variety of common elements in Argentine tango. These elements include, but are not
limited to, posture, connection, elasticity, density, projection, and lead and follow. The DVDs also
address specific techniques for pivots, turns, ochos, boleos, lapiz, enrosques, paradas, traspies, sacadas,
and embellishments. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently
travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Tango de Buenos Aires (2 DVDs only)
This DVD provides continuing instruction in the ways Argentine tango is danced in Buenos Aires with
emphasis on technique, energy, dynamics, coordination, connection, density, elasticity, musicality
rhythm, and timing. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently
travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Romantico Tango de Buenos Aires (DVD only)
This DVD provides continuing instruction in the ways Argentine tango is danced in Buenos Aires with
emphasis on technique, energy, dynamics, coordination, connection, density, elasticity, musicality
rhythm, and timing. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently
travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Vals de Buenos Aires (DVD only)
This DVD provides continuing instruction in the ways vals is danced in Buenos Aires with
emphasis on technique, energy, dynamics, coordination, connection, density, elasticity, musicality
rhythm, and timing. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently
travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and
Georgina Vargas — Milonga de Buenos Aires (DVD only)
This DVD provides continuing instruction in the ways milonga is danced in Buenos Aires with
emphasis on technique, energy, dynamics, coordination, connection, density, elasticity, musicality
rhythm, and timing. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently
travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website,
tangodebuenosaires.com.

Chris
Morris and Oliana Foraponova — Argentine Tango, Vol. I & IILikely DiscontinuedThese videos offer a ballroom interpretation of Argentine tango.
The result is inauthentic. Was available from
DanceVision.com.

Jorge Nel is among the pioneers of Argentine
tango in south Florida. He is widely known for his skill in dancing
tango.

Jorge
Nel and Laura — Learn to Dance Argentine TangoLikely DiscontinuedThe experience that Jorge and Laura have in helping to launch a tango
community shows in the clear, careful and practical instruction on this
video. Beginners who master all of the material on the video will
be well on their way to dancing Argentine tango authentically. The
instruction starts with a standard eight-count basic and progresses through
four additional figures. Along the way, Jorge and Laura demonstrate
and explain rhythm, walking and elements for improvisation. As shown
in their demonstration dances, these simple elements can be combined to
create a rich and varied dance. Jorge and Laura dance and demonstrate
with elegant, slow and rhythmic movement, but the video represents a triumph
of content over limited production quality—including some rather strange
split screen effects. Instruction is bilingual in Spanish and English.
May be available from Tango
in Miami, 1.800.936.9537 or 786.888.6619.

Jorge
Nel and Marta — Learn to Dance MilongaLikely DiscontinuedThis video may be available from
Tango
in Miami, 1.800.936.9537 or 786.888.6619.

Jorge
Nel and Milena — Milonga Traspie, vols. 1 and 2Likely DiscontinuedThis video may be available from
Tango
in Miami, 1.800.936.9537 or 786.888.6619.

Nito and Elba. Always spontaneous
and exciting dancers, Nito and Elba Garcia teach an elegant and original
style of tango with emphasis on technique and lines. Because Nito
and Elba have lived in Mar del Plata, Argentina for many years, their approach
to tango has not been fully assimilated into the standard set of steps
and patterns that are commonly taught and danced in Buenos Aires.

Nito
& Elba —Workshops 1993 (DVD only)This video covers the material that Nito & Elba taught in workshops
in Northern California during 1993. This video is now available on DVD
(but no longer on video tape) through
Tango Bar
Productions.

Nito
& Elba — Workshops 1995 (DVD only)
This video is packed with the intermediate to advanced material that
Nito & Elba taught in a series of workshops in Northern California
during November and December 1995. Re-shot in a well-known Tango
Bar in Northern California, Nito & Elba demonstrate technique and steps
while Barbara Garvey provides English narration on this relatively simple
production. To best use the material for instruction, the viewer
needs to be prepared with the rewind and slow-motion buttons on the DVD
player. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer on video
tape) through Tango
Bar Productions.

Nito
y Elba — Teach Tango at Stanford - 1996 (DVD only)
This video shows in detail all of the steps, exercises, movements and
patterns (including tango and milonga) that Nito and Elba taught during
the Stanford University Tango Weeks in July 1996. The material is
absolutely first rate and probably best suited for intermediate to advanced
dancers. Re-shot in a well-known Tango Bar in Northern California,
Nito & Elba demonstrate technique and steps while Barbara Garvey provides
English narration on this relatively simple one-camera production.
To best use the material for instruction, the viewer needs to be prepared
with the rewind and slow-motion buttons on the DVD player. This video
is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through
Tango Bar
Productions.

Nito
y Elba — 1997 U.S. Tour (DVD only)
This video covers the material that Nito and Elba taught in their 1997
workshops in Atlanta, Boulder, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles,
New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Re-shot in a well-known
Tango Bar in Northern California, the video is intended as reminder of
the workshops rather than an instructional tape. Those who did not
attend the workshops will have to work a bit harder to learn the outstanding
intermediate material included on the video. Barbara Garvey provides
English narration on this relatively simple production. To best use
the material for instruction, the viewer needs to be prepared with the
rewind and slow-motion buttons on the DVD player. This video is now
available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through
Tango Bar
Productions.

Nito
& Elba — Teach Argentine Tango 1999 (DVD only)
A triumph of content over production values, this video covers the
outstanding material that Nito and Elba taught in their January, February
and March 1999 workshops in Dallas, San Francisco, New York, Tucson, Los
Angeles and Santa Barbara. Re-shot in a well-known Tango Bar in Northern
California, the 35 minute video is intended as reminder of the workshops
rather than an instructional tape. Those who were fortunate enough
to attend the workshops in one city will find the video is packed with
more variations than they can recall. Those who did not attend the
workshops will have to work harder to dig out the outstanding intermediate
material included on the video. Everyone will want to use the slow
motion and rewind buttons on their DVD player. The demonstration
dance at the end of the video shows the excellence of Nito & Elba's
dancing. Barbara Garvey provides English narration for this relatively
simple production. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer
on video tape) through Tango
Bar Productions.

Orlando Paiva was considered by some to be
one of the most elegant salon-style dancers in the world today. His
every move was fluid, precise, and uniquely his own. Orlando taught
tango in Argentina, the United States, and Chile for over 40 years, creating
many figures that were exclusively his own.

Orlando
Paiva & Susana — Teach Argentine Tango (DVD only)
This solidly produced video is packed with nearly an hour of material
that captures the essence of Orlando Paiva's unique and elegant style.
The video is divided into three sections: basic, intermediate and advanced
with a total of 37 steps or combinations. Each of the steps or combinations
presented on the video is shown three times from different perspectives,
ending with a close-up of the feet. In addition, Orlando and Susana
perform three exhibition dances. The narration provides a concise,
simple description of each step with helpful comments on technique.
Some viewers may be put off by Orlando's somewhat different interpretation
of rhythm and the lack of drama in his dancing. Knowledgeable dancers
will find elegant, precise, slow movement and many of Orlando's ideas for
developing figures. Although the video starts with basic steps, the
material is probably best suited for intermediate to advanced dancers who
have already developed the ability to reinterpret or modify the figures
when dancing at a crowded milonga. If I have a reservation about
the video, it is that dancers of lesser skill may attempt to execute the
figures as they are shown without regard to the others with whom they are
sharing the dance floor. Add a half star if you want a documentary
of Orlando's style. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer
on video tape) through
Tango Bar
Productions.

Orlando
Paiva — Argentine Tango Elegant: Volume I, Basic (DVD or video
tape)
In this video, Orlando demonstrates and teaches 10 basic steps with
Los Angeles tanguera Yolanda Rossi. Each step is repeated several
times in regular motion and then several times in slow motion. A
split screen is used in the slow-motion presentations, one screen side
showing a head-to-toe view, and the other the legs only. Editing,
slow motion, and split-screen effects were by a professional TV production
company, and duplication was by a professional movie studio. Available
on DVD or video tape in either English or Spanish. The video is a
bit expensive for the amount of material covered. Available from
Yolanda
Rossi, 2514 Hollister Terrace, Glendale, CA 91206. For
additional information telephone Yolanda Rossi at (818)244-2136 or
(213) 628-8484 FAX: (818) 547-9160.

Orlando
Paiva — Argentine Tango Elegant: Volume II, Intermediate (DVD
or video tape)
In this video, Orlando demonstrates and teaches 11 intermediate steps
with Los Angeles tanguera Yolanda Rossi. A split screen is used in
the slow-motion presentations, one screen side showing a head-to-toe view,
and the other the legs only. Editing, slow motion, and split-screen
effects were by a professional TV production company, and duplication was
by a professional movie studio. Available on DVD or video tape in
either English or Spanish. Available from Yolanda
Rossi, 2514 Hollister Terrace, Glendale, CA 91206. For
additional information telephone Yolanda Rossi at (818)244-2136 or
(213) 628-8484 FAX: (818) 547-9160.

Pocho Pizarro and Stella Barba. Pocho
Pizarro is a self-taught artist who found tango at an early age through
his family and the local bars. Both a social and a stage dancer,
Pocho influenced many young stage dancers with his approach to tango fantasia
(stage tango). Stella Barba, Pocho's partner for several years, collaborated
in two videos produced by Bridge to the Tango.

Pocho
Pizarro — His Dancing, His Life and the History of Tango (DVD only)
This instructional DVD is designed to teach the nature of tango without
step patterns or predesigned choreographies. The idea is to enable
dancers to find their own improvisational style and musicality. Instruction
consists of 15 lessons about tango and a series of warm-up exercises.
The four-hour DVD also includes an interview of Pocho, a short film on
the history of tango, demonstration dances by a variety of non-professional
couples, and a recommended list of recordings. Audio is recorded
in Spanish, English, Portoguese, French, Dutch, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
Subtitles are available in German and Italian. Possibly available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Mingo, Esther and Pablo Pugliese.
Mingo Pugliese is regarded among the great tango educators of his generation.
He distilled the innovative concepts developed by "Petroleo" and Salvador
Sciana during the golden age of tango into eight-count right and left turns
(giros) that can be used as a frame of reference for all turning steps.
Together with his wife Esther, Mingo has taught many of the young tango
stars of today, including their son Pablo. Using what is now the
family method, Esther and Pablo teamed up for several highly successful
teaching tours of the United States including the Stanford Tango Weeks
in 1996 and 1997. Pablo now resides in the United States and performs
and teaches with other partners.

Esther
and Pablo Pugliese — RecuerdosLikely DiscontinuedIn the introduction to this video, Mingo and Esther demonstrate the
eight-count giro which is the basis for much of the family's teaching method.
The remaining material preserves the scenes and sounds of Esther and Pablo's
very crowded classes as they occurred at Stanford, July 6-11, 1997.
The video will stir fond memories for those who were there, but the faint
sound, distant and occasionally wandering camera work, as well as the slow
pace necessitated by closely following the classroom instruction will do
little for those who were not. The two-hour video ends with an excellent
performance that Esther and Pablo gave for the public on the closing night
of what turned out to be the last Stanford Tango Week. Was available
from Planet Tango.

El Pulpo. Starting at a relatively
young age, Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" has been dancing tango for about
25 years. He is known for a complicated, deliberate, languid and
turning style of Argentine tango that is densely packed with unusual adornments.
For some observers, El Pulpo's style evokes an image of an octopus, hence
his nickname "El Pulpo" (the Octopus). Luiza Paes was his long-time
partner and mastered the woman's counterpart to El Pulpo's style.

El Pulpo and
Luiza Paes — Tango en La Patriótica (DVD only) Possibly DiscontinuedThis DVD provides instruction on Pulpo's complicated style of tango, covering
Pulpo's take on sacadas and variations, then a variety of ganchos of increasing
complexity, and then enganches. The material is very demanding in
technique. Availability is uncertain.

Ricardo and Nicole. As a couple,
Ricardo and Nicole were known for their expressive style of dance, rapid
footwork, and improvisational stage dancing. No longer dancing together,
their one-time prominence in tango shows in Buenos Aires and extensive
marketing has helped make their instructional videos among the best selling
in Buenos Aires and Europe.

Ricardo
& Nicole — Curso de Tango (2 DVDs only)
These videos start with the 8-count basic with back step and progress
through numerous elements and figures. Most are variations on the
basic including in-line walking (which is reserved until mid-way through
the third video). The choice of figures may help to illustrate some
limited elements of improvisation, as is suggested toward the end of the
first video, but the video does not teach improvisational skills directly.
Production values are excellent, and instruction is very clear. Ricardo
and Nicole demonstrate each step at full speed and then alternately demonstrate
the men's and women's parts discussing what they see as the essential elements
of lead and follow. The figures are shown from many angles (including
from above), explanations are reinforced with on-screen graphics, and clicks
time the steps. Viewers will find little need to use the slow-motion
or rewind buttons. Although most of the figures are relatively simple,
some do not respect the line of dance and cannot be recommended for use
on a social dance floor by inexperienced dancers. Both volumes are available
in NTSC or PAL with seven selectable languages. Ricardo offers the DVDs through
his webshop.
The DVDs also may be available from Zival's
Tango Store.

Ricardo
& Nicole — Milonga (DVD only)
For someone who already dances Argentine tango, this well-produced
video contains everything but the dance floor necessary to learn the basics
of milonga, as well as a few advanced steps. Instruction is extremely clear
and progresses logically from basic steps to more complex variations.
Even those who know milonga well may find a few new steps or ideas.
Ricardo and Nicole demonstrate each step at full speed and then alternately
demonstrate the men’s and women’s parts discussing the essential elements
of lead, follow and body position. The figures are shown from several
angles including from above. Viewers will find little need to use the slow-motion
or rewind buttons. Ricardo offers the DVD in NTSC or PAL with seven
selectable languages through
his webshop.
The DVD also may be available through Zival's
Tango Store.

Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut
RumbaumRicardo has formed a partnership with Rotraut Rumbaum, and since 2003
they have taught in Germany, Holland, Buenos Aires, etc; coached other
teachers and performing couples; given tango peformances in Europe and
Buenos Aires and appeared in a number of productions including the tango
opera "Orestes' Last Tango."

Ricardo
"El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Tango de Salon (2 DVDs only)
This two DVD series teaches salon-style tango using the eight count basic.
Dancers new to tango who master the material on these two discs can attain intermediate
skills. The first disc covers the eight-count basic, cortes, the embrace, back
and forward ochos, mordidas, some very basic turns, using elements of the step patterns
to improvise, some basics of moving to the music, and some basics of dancing at a
milonga. The second disc covers caminada (tango walking), variations on the
basic, body alignment, figures with ochos, pauses and firuletes, additional elements
of improvisation, some ganchos, and more giros including molinetes and sacadas.
The instruction focuses on learning tango through step patterns. Every step
pattern is shown with Ricardo and Rotraut together, then separately. Coverage
is from multiple angles including from above. Common errors are shown for nearly
every step. The instruction is very clear and quite complete, but viewers will
have to work out some of their own body mechanics, develop their own lead and follow
skills, and provide their own excitement. On the NTSC DVDs, the viewer can choose
one of eight languages—Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Portugese, Japanese or
Korean—for a combination of dubbed and voice-over explanations. The first DVD is 130
minutes long. The second is 150 minutes long. The DVDs also include bonus
footage of Buenos Aires, real people dancing at milongas and demonstration dances.
Ricardo offers the DVDs in NTSC and PAL with multiple selectable languages through
his webshop.

Ricardo
"El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Vals (DVD only)
For someone who already has a basic knowledge of Argentine tango (as
taught with the eight-count basic) and wants to learn vals, Ricardo and
Rotraut have produced a DVD that could prove to be the perfect place to
start. Their instruction covers a variety of step patterns and techniques
incorporating walks, ochos, a colgada, giros, enrosques, boleos and sacadas
as variations on the eight-count basic. Anyone who masters all the
material on the DVD should be quite comfortable dancing vals. The
extensive coverage is evidenced when Ricardo and Rotraut conclude their
instruction by dancing a demonstration that uses only the elements they've
taught without conveying any sense of limitation. When new material
is introduced, the instruction is quite careful and well explained.
In contrast, the instruction lacks detail for material that is covered
in Ricardo's and Nicole's Curso de Tango.
As such, the DVD would be most useful to someone who is just beginning
to learn vals but already has a basic understanding of tango as taught
with the eight-count basic. Without such knowledge of tango, the
instruction on many elements is likely to prove sketchy or incomplete.
Most viewers are likely to find occasional use of the slow-motion and rewind
buttons essential. The viewer can choose one of seven languages—Spanish,
English, German, French, Italian, Portugese and Japanese—for a combination
of dubbed and voice over explanations. The DVD also includes bonus
footage of vals dancing in Buenos Aires. Zival's
Tango Store may offer
the DVD in NTSC and PAL. Note: This DVD may
have been discontinued and replaced with new one with the same title that
currently is only available in PAL.

Claudio Omar Rubio and Maria Veronica
Ruggieri are tango dancers from Rosario who have studied with Cecilio
Garcia, Osvaldo Zotto, Pocho Pizarro, and Orlando Paiva. Claudio
and Veronica adopted Orlando Paiva's style and elegance as their own becoming
disciples of his dance. They have participated in numerous tango
festivals as featured dancers and teach regularly in Rosario and the United
States.

Fabián Salas is an innovative tango
dancer, who is known for his superb style and command of tango's structure.
He helped develop the tango nuevo pedagogy that emphasizes a structural
analysis of the dance in which previously unexplored combinations of steps
and new figures can be found. A dancer in several shows and a well-regarded
instructor, he came to international attention as one of the three principal
dancers in the movie, The Tango Lesson.

Fabián
Salas (with Cecilia González) — The Tango Fundamentals (3 volumes on DVD only)
This three-volume series is designed to convey the fundamentals of
Argentine tango. In volume one, Fabián teaches basic elements
of Argentine tango including the walk, the embrace, the lead and follow,
the fundamental figures and turns. In volume two, he teaches variations
of the authentic Argentine tango walk, including normal- and cross-foot
movements, inside and outside partner, and changes in rhythm. In
volume three, he teaches the basics of turns including proper technique
and the basic elements of turns, as well as few sequences. In all
three volumes, Fabián provides instruction in English and is assisted
by Cecilia González. Once available on video tape, all three
volumes were created using broadcast-quality equipment and are available
only in NTSC on DVD. Available from Gotan Enterprises, Inc., 8005
Greenbury Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20770 USA or through the related Tango
Dynamics website.

Fabián
Salas (with Lola Díaz) — Learn to Dance (8 volumes on DVD only)
This eight-volume series is designed to convey a comprehensive knowledge
of Argentine tango, but it focuses on elements rather than the gestalt of
tango. In volume one, Fabián teaches the tango fundamentals
including the walk, the embrace, lead and follow, the basic step, cross-foot
basic, back and forward ochos, the fundamental figures and turns, and the
structure of Argentine tango. In volume two, he teaches sacadas,
including forward and back sacadas for men and women and four sequences
using saccades. In volume three, he teaches turns, including proper
technique and the basic elements of turns, as well as few sequences. In
volume four, Fabián teaches enrosques, including technique and two
sequences. Volume five covers boleos, including back and & forward
boleos, associated and contra-body position, exercises for leaders and
followers, technique and four sequences using boleos. Volume six covers
ganchos, including ganchos for men and women, exercises for leaders and
followers, technique and four sequences using ganchos. Volume seven
covers volcadas, including forward and back volcadas, exercises for leaders
and followers, technique, and two sequences using volcadas. Volume eight
covers colgadas, including explanations, exercises for men and women, technique
and four sequences using colgadas. In all eight volumes, instruction is
provided in English, Spanish and Italian; and Fabián is assisted by Lola
Díaz. Available only on DVD from Fabián's
TangoPal.

Emile Sansour is a long-time teacher of
Argentine tango who maintains a regular schedule of classes in the German
cities of Stuttgart, Heidelberg and Mannheim.

Emile
Sansour — Inspiración Tango (DVD only)
On this 90 minute DVD, Emile teaches basic and intermediate elements
of tango with Nazan Greiner and Hülya Bilaloglu as his partners.
The beginning section of the DVD contains 30 minutes of instruction and
one demonstration dance, and the intermediate section 45 minutes of instruction
and two demonstration dances. Instruction is provided in German,
English, French, Italian, Spanish and Turkish. I am unsure about
compatibility with NTSC broadcast standards. Available through the
Inspiración Tango website.

Ive Simard is a former ballroom dancer whose
idea is to create a graded syllabus for Argentine tango, so that it can
be regularized and taught by certified instructors in the same manner as
ballroom dancing. Ive operates a dance school in San Diego that is
modestly called El Mundo del Tango.

Ive
Simard — Tango Argentino (3 tape series) Possibly DiscontinuedThese three tapes offer graded instruction in tango figures progressing
from Bronze through Silver to Gold like ballroom dancing. Unfortunately,
the resulting dance does not bear the slightest resemblance to Argentine
tango, in form, style or content, as danced in any of the barrios of Buenos
Aires, Mar del Plata or Rosario. The video production quality is high.
If you like the idea of graded instruction and do not care about authenticity,
add 4½ stars, but please do not ask me to do so. A vendor is
uncertain. See www.elmundodeltango.com
for more information.

Ive
Simard — Milonga (3 tape series) Possibly DiscontinuedThese three tapes offer graded instruction in milonga progressing from
Bronze through Silver to Gold like ballroom dancing. A vendor is
uncertain. See www.elmundodeltango.com
for more information.

Ive
Simard — Pecho ArgentinoPossibly DiscontinuedThis video offers graded instruction in milonguero-style tango progressing
from Bronze through Silver to Gold like ballroom dancing. A vendor is
uncertain. See www.elmundodeltango.com
for more information.

Marcelo Solís is a young dancer and
instructor from Rosario, Argentina. Although he has studied with
a number of highly regarded dancers; including Juan Carlos Copes, Miguel
Angel Zotto, Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy, Graciela Gonzalez and Pupi Castello,
Gloria and Eduardo Arquimbaun, Mingo and Ester Pugliese, Susana Miller,
Juan Bruno, Gustavo Naveira and Olga Bessio and Orlando Paiva; Marcelo
has developed his own style of tango dancing that combines milonguero and
salon sensibilities. He has performed and taught throughout Europe
and the United States but is particularly well known in the San Francisco
Bay Area.

Marcelo
Solís — Argentine Tango I: Dance of PossibilitiesSeemingly DiscontinuedAvailable on DVD or video tape, Marcelo offers instruction from the
very basic elements to more complicated ones. The video covers such
material as walking exercises, basic steps, forward ochos, parallel and
crossed systems, backward ochos, crosses, and sentadas. The video
does not present just patterns. Marcelo also teaches how the steps
are composed and how to put them together in the dance. The video
also containsmaterial for those who already dance tango and want to
improve fundamentals and technique. Marcelo's former partner
Romina assists with the instruction. Current availability is
uncertain. For more information, see Marcelo Solís'
webpage.

Marcelo
Solís — Argentine Tango I: Moving CircularSeemingly DiscontinuedAvailable on DVD or video tape, Marcelo offers instruction in turns
and changes of direction. The video covers such material as full
change of direction, boleo, embellishments, molinete, half change of direction,
sacdas. chains and other elements. The video does not present just
patterns. Marcelo also teaches how the steps are composed and how
to put them together in the dance. Marcelo's former partner
Romina assists with the instruction. Current availability is
uncertain. For more information, see Marcelo Solís'
webpage.

Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett)
— Argentine Tango (vols. I-IV)Seemingly DiscontinuedIn 1997 Dance Vision produced a set of instructional videos by Daniel
Trenner with Brooke Burdett as his dance partner. The first three
volumes cover what is generally referred to as salon style in North America
and progress in complexity from the first video through the third.
These three videos emphasize the skills for building steps over the steps
themselves, an approach that many students (including this reviewer) find
unlocks the secrets of learning tango. The fourth is of milonguero
style. Some people have been critical of these videos for what they
perceive as poorly executed dancing. The series was available from
DanceVision.com.

Daniel
Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol. ISeemingly DiscontinuedVolume 1 is an introduction to tango as a social dance. It begins
with exercises for the development of movement and technique for the leader
and follower. Dance frame or position is introduced. Games
are taught for practicing lead and follow in walking and turning.
Step construction and navigation of the dance floor are introduced.
The pace of the video is slowed by explanations that some viewers might
find excessive. Was available from
DanceVision.com.

Daniel
Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol. IISeemingly DiscontinuedVolume II covers step creation. It explains how to phrase sequences
of elements into complex combinations in both walking and turning figures.
The concept of step adornment is also introduced. The material in
this video is taught as a layer of complexity to be added to the material
taught in the first video, but should prove accessible to experienced
Tango dancers. Was available from
DanceVision.com.

Daniel
Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol. IIISeemingly DiscontinuedVolume III continues the study of the tango step vocabulary.
Lapiz, Boleo, Arrastre, Llevada, Sacadas, Ganchos, Paradas, Calesitas and
advanced decorations are taught. Ideas for varying the dance position
and exchanging the lead and follow are also introduced. The material
in this video builds on the second video, but should prove accessible to
experienced Tango dancers. Was available from
DanceVision.com.

Daniel
Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol IV (Basic Close
Embrace)Seemingly DiscontinuedVolume IV explores the milonguero style tango (also known as apilado,
cafe-, or club-style tango) that is popular in some crowded clubs of central
Buenos Aires. This introductory video covers changes of technique
from the salon style more familiar in North America for the embrace, lead,
follow, walking and figures. The approach assumes familiarity with
salon-style tango. Was available from
DanceVision.com.

Luciana Valle is among a younger generation of tango dancers in instructors,
who has taught extensively in North America. She is an excellent dancer with a command of many styles
of Argentine tango and is well regarded for her instruction.

The late Omar Vega cut a dashing figure in milongas
in Buenos Aires with his salon-style tango and milonga. He was among
the few dancers of his generation that was accepted as a milonguero by the
older dancers. He was known for his musical interpretation and was
regarded as a master of improvisation—creating unique and innovative ideas
on the social dance floor.

Omar
Vega — Milonga con Traspie (DVD only)
The DVD opens with a foreward by the late Carlos Gavito. Assisted by Karina
Burutaran, Omar covers such topics as opening and relaxation, musical tempos,
musical and body exercises, the embrace, balance of the body, the milonga
basic, vaivén (to and from), vaivén with basic ending, turn
to the left, the little retention, Cunita (rock step), the crossing retention,
the Cachafaz, and changes of front. At least one demonstration dance
is included. English voice over is provided by Mark Rector.
Omar Vega frequently traveled with copies of the DVD to sell. It is
available from Celebrate
Tango.

Agustina Videla and Claudio Asprea
are have been dance partners since 1997. In 1998 they performed at
the Tango Argentino Show, officialy representing the Republic of Argentina
at the Universal Lisboa Fair - Expo '98 (Portugal). Since then they
have danced in many shows with orchestras such as Sexteto Mayor, Color
Tango, Nestor Marconi's Orchestra, Alfredo Marcucci's Veritango Sextet,
Pablo Ziegler's Quintet for New Tango. As intructors, they participated
in many tango festivals including "Ecuentro de Tango Argentino" (Porto,
2000), "L'Ete du Tango" (Nimes, France 2001/2002), "New York's Summer Festival",
(US, 2001/02); Hannover Tango Festival (Germany, 2001); "Tango Island"
(Sweden, 2003); "White Nights Festival" (Saint Petersburg, Russia 2002/03/04);
"V Frankfurter Tango Tage" (Germany, 2004). They have also traveled
to teach workshops in Argentina, Europe, United States and Canada.

Agustina
Videla and Claudio Asprea — Tango from the Heart (DVD only)
The DVD offers three levels of instruction with a total of 25 lessons
(aproximately 230 minutes). The lessons include the embrace and walk,
basic step, amagues and cunitas, musciality, forward ochos, back ochos,
technique, turns, half turns, cross system walking, crossed walk with change
of ftront, half turn with planeo, technique, half turn to the right, corte
and ocho cortado, parada and half turn, apilada, leader's barrida, follower's
barrida, back boleo, forward boleo, leader's back sacada, follower's sacada,
follower's gancho and leader's gancho. Agustina and Claudio demonstrate
with instruction provided by voice over. The DVD includes interactive
menus and access to each lesson, comments on dancing at milongas, images
of Buenos Aires, video clips Agustina and Claudio dancing with the Musamistonga
orchestra, and other features. For additional information, see www.actango.com.ar.

Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy are highly
regarded stage dancers and instructors of Argentine Tango. Some consider
Osvaldo to be among the greatest dancers of his generation. Also
see Mora Godoy above.

Osvaldo
Zotto and Mora Godoy — Asi Se Baila El Tango (5 tape set)
This five video series is taken from the television series Asi Se
Baila El Tango, a program that appears on Solo Tango—a Tango-only television
station in Buenos Aires. Instruction closely follows the style of
the late master Antonio Todaro and is very detailed—requiring about 15
minutes per figure. The first two videos present basic figures and
the latter three present intermediate and advanced figures best suited
to more accomplished tango dancers. Taken together the five-video
series offers a comprehensive program of instruction. Production
quality is outstanding and the pace of instruction was designed for television
broadcast where the viewer could not use the rewind or slow-motion features
of a VCR. The videos are available in Spanish, English, French and
Japanese in a variety of broadcast standards. The first three volumes
are now available as a single DVD with condensed presentations. On
the DVD, the English language sound track is out of synch with the movement
during the instruction of the sandwich. A second DVD with the material
from the fourth and fifth volumes is anticipated, but is yet to be released.
The videos and first DVD may be available from Zival's
TangoStore in Buenos Aires,
TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls,
New York, Danza y Movimiento
in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com
in Buenos Aires.

Videos Most Suitable for Beginners

In the opinion of most Argentine Tango dancers and instructors, videos
are a poor substitute for live instruction, particularly at the beginning
level. With that warning in mind, a number of videos do offer material
intended for beginners.

Comprehensive instruction for beginning Argentine tango dancers includes
a number of essential elements. One is to see how tango is danced.
Another is to learn that tango is improvisational and to develop an understanding
of the structure from which the dance is constructed. Another is
to learn to move to the music. Another is to learn lead and follow
skills. Another is to learn principles of good form. Last is
to learn some beginning steps and patterns.

Videos of Intermediate and Advanced
Tango Steps and Patterns

After learning the basic steps and movements of tango, many dancers seek
to increase their knowledge of tango through the mastery of more challenging
steps and figures. A number of videos offer such instruction. The
individual reviews above offer more information about the contents of each
listed video.

Videos Offering Comprehensive Programs of Instruction

Videos that offer a comprehensive programs of instruction that starts from
the beginning and continue through to intermediate or advanced learning
may appeal to some dancers. The comprehensiveness of these programs
varies somewhat, but all the videos listed here progress from basic elements
of salon-style Argentine tango to more advanced movements.

Comprehensive instruction in Argentine tango includes a number of essential
elements. One is to see how tango is danced. Another is to
learn that tango is improvisational and to develop an understanding of
the structure from which the dance is constructed. Another is to
learn to move to the music. Another is to learn lead and follow skills.
Another is to learn principles of good form. Last is to learn steps
and patterns.

Videos about Technique

As tango dancers develop their knowledge of the dance, many discover the
importance of refining their technique. A number of videos offer
such instruction, and most purchasers will find these videos will serve
as good reference material for many years. The individual reviews
above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

Videos about Structure

As tango dancers develop their knowledge of the dance, some discover the
importance developing a knowledge of the structure of tango. A number
of videos offer such instruction, and most purchasers will find these videos
will serve as good reference material for many years. The individual
reviews offer more information about the contents of each listed video.
At the beginning level, Christy Coté's and George Garcia's The
Art of Improvisation is particularly good. At the more advanced
level, Gustavo Naveira's and Olga Besio's Seminar
Review is particularly good. Many people have learned about tango structure from the basics
to more advanced concepts through Daniel Trenner's and Rebecca Shulman's
Instructional
Videos.

Videos about Milonguero-Style Tango

Tango is typically danced in a close embrace in the crowded clubs of central
Buenos Aires. One of these close-embrace styles is commonly known as "apilado-style"
in Buenos Aires and "milonguero-style" in the United States, but it can
also be referred to as café-, confiteria-, club- or salon-style.
Milonguero-style tango is characterized by a close chest-to-chest embrace
and the use of some double-time dance steps. Some dancers distinguish
between club- and milonguero-style tango. Club-style tango uses a
close but slightly offset embrace and has some double-time dance steps.
It also allows for a slight separation in turns, which permits a wider
variety of steps than the milonguero style. A growing number of instructional
videos are available in these styles. The individual reviews above
offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

Videos about Orillero-Style Tango

Orillero-style tango may have been developed in the outlying neighborhoods
of and around Buenos Aires where there was more space on dance floors,
or it may have its origins in the streets of poor outlying tenements. Orillero-style
tango is characterized by highly rhythmic movement and playful space-consuming
embellishments and figures that do not always respect the line of dance.

Videos about Canyengue-Style Tango

Canyengue was a dominant style of tango during the 1920s and early 30s,
but it was subsumed into other social styles during the golden age of tango.
No visual records exist of canyengue danced during its own era. Some
older milongueros have recreated the style from their memories of the way
their parents generation danced. Written records suggest some authenticity
in these recreated styles, but no one can know for certain how canyengue
was really danced.

Videos about Milonga

Milonga is one of three dances in the family of tango dances, which includes
tango, milonga and vals. Danced at a much more rapid pace than tango,
and typically without any pauses, milonga is a very rhythmic dance that
most often is danced with less complicated movements. For those who
already have a basic knowledge of tango, the Ricardo
& Nicole video and recently Pugliese
video are excellent for beginning milonga. The series Asi
Se Baila Milonga by the late
Pepito Avellaneda
well captures the style of one of the great milonga dancers of all time.
The Trenner and Shulman
video is excellent for learning how to dance milonga traspie. The
new Omar Vega DVD may offer good coverage
of milonga traspie. The individual reviews above offer more information
about the contents of each listed video.

Videos about Vals (Tango Waltz)

Vals (tango waltz) is one of three dances in the family of tango dances,
which includes tango, milonga and vals. Someone who dances tango
figures to the vals rhythm will do a very credible job of dancing vals,
but differences occur in the execution of double-time steps and in the
emphasis on turning steps over walking steps. One of the difficulties
that anyone new to tango waltz will have is in understanding how to dance
to the vals rhythm. Of the reviewed videos, only the first Coté/Garcia
video offers explicit instruction on dancing to the rhythm, but the demonstration
dances on the
Di Falco/Zokalski videos
demonstrate a great deal of rhythmic integrity. The individual reviews
above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

Videos Documenting an Individual Style

One of the contributions of instructional videos taught by tango masters
is in documenting an individual or influential style. To some extent,
all of the instructional videos document a particular style, but the following
videos are particularly noteworthy in documenting individual or influential
styles. I am particularly fond of the video documenting the highly
individual style of Victor Romero
and Norma Galla. All of the ratings reflect the instructional
value of the video, and most would be more highly rated in documenting
an individual style. The reviews above offer more information about
the contents of each listed video.

Other Video Resources

Many other instructional videos exist but are not readily available.
Quite a few tango instructors make tapes of their own teaching but restrict
distribution to their own students. In addition, organizers and others
have prepared video summaries of the instruction at various tango workshops,
weeks and weekends. For example, the Miami Tango Fantasy and the
Fandango de Tango have produced video tapes and DVDs covering the teaching
at the festivals. Danel and Maria also produced an extensive collection
of video tapes covering their own teaching and that of such notables as
Miguel Zotto & Milena Plebs and Juan Carlos Copes & Maria Nieves
teaching at various tango weeks. Most of these videos are only made
available to those who have attended the workshops, tango weeks, or weekends
on which the videos are based, but a few are more generally available.
All of these tango week and workshop videos are much more successful as
a reminder of what was taught rather than in offering complete instruction.